Lies and Deceit Quotes in Child 44

How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

The duty of an investigator was to scratch away at innocence until guilt was discovered. If no guilt was uncovered then they hadn't scratched deep enough. (2.5.11)

Oh, silly us: we thought that an investigator's job was to investigate the truth. Instead, Leo and his MGB cohorts are only concerned with filling quotas. So they might have to lie along the way. So they might have to torture some innocent people. They're doing it for a just cause, right?

Quote #2

If you genuinely wanted to dispose of something you snuck it out, discreetly getting rid of it on the way home. (2.7.9)

Even MGB trashcans are avowed liars. It makes sense, though: these agents understand that you always need to be on your guard—especially when you're dealing with your fellow MGB agents. What a nasty bunch.

Quote #3

Outward displays of emotion should be treated with extreme skepticism unless the person was unaware that he or she was being observed. (2.7.11)

Let's be honest, Major: the real reason you're doing that is because you think it looks cool when you stare wistfully out the window. Still, Leo knows that it would be foolish to let his guard down in front of his boss. As it turns out, deception is a 24/7 job.